We rate the 2019 Nissan Murano at 5 out of 10, giving it a point for its overall value in most trim levels. We’re less impressed with its infotainment software, which can be cumbersome and struggled to stay connected to our phones, so we take that point back. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

With better infotainment and a few more standard features on the base Murano S, this crossover SUV could rate a commendable 7.   

The 2019 Murano comes in four grades: S, SV, SL, and Platinum.

The base Murano S costs about $32,300 and includes cloth upholstery, LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, an 8.0-inch touchscreen for infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB ports including two Type-C plugs, and keyless ignition. Nissan is stingy with some features, though, forcing buyers to opt for the $35,500 Murano SV for power-adjustable front seats, blind-spot monitors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote start, and a few other items. The Murano SV is also the gateway to options such as heated front seats, Bose audio, and adaptive cruise control, which are grouped in a costly $3,500 package.

At that point, it’s worth splurging for the $40,300 Murano SL, which builds on a loaded Murano SV with leather upholstery, heated rear seats, navigation, and 20-inch alloy wheels. We think it’s the best value in the Murano range. An extra $1,970 buys a panoramic moonroof and a few additional active safety features such as automatic high-beam headlights and active lane control.

Topping the lineup at about $44,500, the Murano Platinum comes with softer leather upholstery, cooled front seats, and a smartphone app that includes remote unlocking and locking and a few other functions.

All-wheel drive costs a reasonable $1,600 more on every trim level, which is less than some competitors charge to send power to each wheel.

2019 Nissan Murano infotainment

The Murano’s biggest weakness, as far as we’re concerned, is its mediocre infotainment system. Though its 8.0-inch touchscreen is large, its software is cumbersome and the display washes out completely in certain daylight situations.

We struggled to keep three different iPhones connected to Apple CarPlay via a USB cable. Using the built-in navigation software standard on Murano SL and Platinum trims isn’t a great substitute, either. Its graphics are dated and the on-screen icons for popular chain restaurants were comically inaccurate unless one of our neighbors is running a Panera Bread out of his garage.

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